Australian also called Toni Nadal an 'idiot' and labelled Andy Murray's record against Djokovic 'embarrassing'

By Joe Shread

Last Updated: 16/05/19 8:21am

Nick Kyrgios has a reputation for not holding back with his controversial opinions

Nick Kyrgios has lashed out at Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic, who he accused of having a "sick obsession" with being liked.

The world No 36 also took aim at Nadal's uncle Toni, branding him an "idiot" and, while he was positive about Andy Murray, he described the Brit's record against Djokovic - 11 wins to 25 losses - as "embarrassing".

Kyrgios was speaking on the 'No Challenges Remaining' tennis podcast, and made no effort to filter his views on some of the players he regularly competes against on tour.

Kyrgios said Rafa Nadal was 'super salty' whenever he was beaten on court

"He was a great player. But as soon as I beat him, it's just like he has no respect for me, my fans and no respect to the game. It's not a good look for you, I feel.

"And then uncle Toni came out saying, 'He lacks education'. I'm like, 'Bra [brother], I did 12 years at school, you idiot. I'm very educated. I understand that you're upset I beat your family again."

While he described Djokovic as an "unbelievable player" and a "champion of the sport", Kyrgios went on to say: "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger (Federer).

"For me personally - I don't care right now, I've come this far - I feel like he just wants to be liked so much that I just can't stand him.

"This whole celebration thing that he does after matches, it's like so cringeworthy. It's very cringeworthy."

Kyrgios accused world No 1 Novak Djokovic of wanting to be liked as much as Roger Federer

Kyrgios also called Fernando Verdasco, the 35-year-old Spaniard, the "most arrogant person ever", before taking aim at spectators who heckle him during matches.

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"These guys show me no respect. None. So why would I show you respect?" complained Kyrgios. "For instance, when I'm taking matches, I don't care that you paid for tickets. You guys treat me like **** anyway."

Kyrgios is in action on Thursday when he takes on Norwegian Casper Ruud in the second round of the Rome Masters, before beginning his latest attempt to progress beyond the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time at the French Open later this month.